Exodus 39:24 - Priestly garments' sacred adornments

Join Our Newsletter To Be Informed When New Videos Are Posted

Join the thousands of fellow Studends who rely on our videos to learn how to read the bible in Hebrew for free!

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעֲשׂוּ עַל־שׁוּלֵי הַמְּעִיל רִמּוֹנֵי תְּכֵלֶת וְאַרְגָּמָן וְתוֹלַעַת שָׁנִי מָשְׁזָר׃

English Translation

And they made upon the hems of the robe pomegranates of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and twined linen.

Transliteration

Va'ya'asu al-shulei ha-me'il rimonei techelet ve'argaman ve'tola'at shani mashzar.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַֽיַּעֲשׂוּ֙ עַל־שׁוּלֵ֣י הַמְּעִ֔יל רִמּוֹנֵ֕י תְּכֵ֥לֶת וְאַרְגָּמָ֖ן וְתוֹלַ֣עַת שָׁנִ֑י מׇשְׁזָֽר׃

Parasha Commentary

The Pomegranates on the Kohen Gadol's Robe

The verse (Shemot 28:33) describes the decorative pomegranates made of blue (תכלת), purple (ארגמן), and scarlet (תולעת שני) wool, along with twisted linen (משזר), which adorned the hem of the me'il (robe) of the Kohen Gadol. This detail is rich with symbolic meaning according to Orthodox Jewish commentators.

Materials and Their Symbolism

תכלת (Blue): Rashi (28:33) explains that the blue wool represents the heavens and divine wisdom, as the color resembles the sea and the sky, which reflect the Divine Throne (Chagigah 12b).
ארגמן (Purple): The Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that purple symbolizes royalty and majesty, reflecting the Kohen Gadol's elevated spiritual role.
תולעת שני (Scarlet): The Talmud (Menachot 43b) associates scarlet with atonement, as it resembles blood, which plays a central role in the sacrificial service.
משזר (Twisted Linen): The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 38:8) teaches that the linen represents purity, as it is derived from the earth and does not come from an animal source.

Symbolism of the Pomegranates

The pomegranates were not merely decorative. The Talmud (Zevachim 88b) states that they served as a reminder of the mitzvot, as a pomegranate is filled with seeds, symbolizing that even the simplest Jew is "full of mitzvot like a pomegranate [is full of seeds]." Additionally, the juxtaposition of the pomegranates with the golden bells (mentioned in the next verse) teaches that Torah study (symbolized by the sound of the bells) must be accompanied by good deeds (symbolized by the pomegranates).

Structural Details

The me'il was entirely woven from תכלת (blue wool), making it unique among the priestly garments (Rashi, Shemot 28:31). The pomegranates and bells alternated along the hem, as derived from the phrasing in the Torah (Rambam, Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 9:4). This arrangement ensured that the Kohen Gadol would be heard as he moved, preventing him from entering the Holy of Holies unnoticed (Shemot 28:35).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 72a

The verse is discussed in relation to the garments of the High Priest, particularly the robe (me'il) and its adornments, emphasizing the significance of the pomegranates and colors in the priestly service.

📖 Zevachim 88b

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the materials and craftsmanship involved in making the priestly garments, highlighting the importance of the details described in the verse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the pomegranates on the High Priest's robe?
A: According to Rashi (Exodus 28:33), the pomegranates on the hem of the High Priest's robe symbolized the mitzvot (commandments) of the Torah. The pomegranate is a fruit with many seeds, representing the idea that even the 'simplest' Jews are full of mitzvot like a pomegranate is full of seeds (Talmud Berachot 57a).

Q: Why were the pomegranates made with blue, purple, and scarlet threads?
A: The blue (techelet), purple (argaman), and scarlet (tola'at shani) threads were the same colors used in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and priestly garments, representing royalty, holiness, and divine service. Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 8:13) explains that these colors were chosen for their beauty and significance in representing the sanctity of the priestly service.

Q: What practical lesson can we learn from the pomegranates on the robe?
A: The pomegranates teach us that every Jew, even those who may seem 'on the hem' (marginally involved), is precious and filled with merit like a pomegranate's seeds. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 38:8) emphasizes that the bells and pomegranates alternated on the robe to show that one must 'sound out' (actively engage) in Torah and mitzvot, while also being 'full' of good deeds like a pomegranate.

Q: How does this verse connect to the High Priest's role?
A: The High Priest's robe (me'il) represented atonement for lashon hara (evil speech, see Talmud Zevachim 88b). The colorful pomegranates and bells (mentioned in the next verse) symbolized that his service should inspire beautiful, G-dly 'sounds' (teachings) and 'fruit' (good deeds) among the people.